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Last week we experienced a slight warming trend with temperatures in the high 70s – low 80s. This week – temperatures will be more mild in the low 60s – low 70s, with nighttime lows dropping into the low 40s and potentially high 30s. Chances for showers are on the horizon – with a potential chance of some rain tomorrow. San Andreas looks really nice at 12-14 count with full color and nice shape. Monterey is progressing week by week at 14-16 count and a lot of green fruit and blossom still on the way. Fronteras is the strongest variety currently at 10-12 count, with very large fruit and expected to hold size. Organic fields look good at 16-18 count on the new crop – Portola 20-24 - with size to increase in the coming weeks. Ranches are beginning to increase in crew-size, and as production starts to ramp up labor may wind down. This week due to cooler temperatures, overall volume is expected to stay steady and should increase again in the following week.
Oxnard:
Weather this week will be similar to Santa Maria – with highs in the 70s and lows in the 60s. We foresee the remainder of the month being dry with no significant chances of rain in the forecast. Color among our fruit is good – with most crops at 90-100 percent color. San Andreas is 16-20 count depending on the ranch, Fronteras 14-16. Mites remain our biggest challenge in the fields, but we are still continuing to use our microsprinklers as a means to control this difficulty. We anticipate our peak week being the first week of Easter following into the week after - March 31 – April 14.
Mexico:
Weather has been very unstable with rain in all growing regions and hail storms in surrounding regions. Temperatures are in the 70s with nighttime lows in the 50s in all regions except Maravatío – which is slightly cooler in the 60s and nighttime lows in the 40s. With rainfall still maintaining in Zamora, Los Reyes and Ziracuaretiro – volume is expected to decrease among our Zamora straws and Los Reyes – Ziracuaretiro blackberries. Maravatío and Irapuato have clear weather conditions with volume remaining steady in these regions.
Strawberries are 24-26 count in our 1lb clamshells – some lower. Color is complete, with some inconsistencies here and there. Size and quality are slowly decreasing with strict standards being enforced among growers to ensure top quality. Blackberry quality is good with minimal defects, with raspberries still looking great and firm.
Blueberries:
Our Chilean blueberry season is slowly winding down – with mid-March being the beginning of a potential gap in production. With the volume that remains – fruit quality is looking good. Weather remains hot in all Chilean growing regions – with highs in the 80s -90s.
Florida:
Weather has been warm in the low 80s with nighttime lows in the 60s – with temperatures expected to remain warm this week. After this Valentine’s week, we predict a cooling trend back into daytime 70s. All fruit is on 2-day rounds, and quality looks good with most fruit coloring 90-95 percent. Sensation is 12-14 count, Florida Beauty 16-19, Radiance 16-18 and plug Radiance 20-24 count – with good size green fruit pushing behind them with increased size on the way. Much of the fruit we anticipated to be damaged from the frost a few weeks back has actually held up very well, with no significant signs of damage or harm to the crop.
Watsonville-Salinas:
Growers are beginning to walk their fields and we can't believe the amount of fruit we have this early on in the season! By mid-March we anticipate all our growers beginning to harvest - and are even starting as soon as this week on one of our most advanced ranches. Weather has played a pivotal role in the early progression of this season - with a dry winter resulting in plants advancing much faster. We are 3-4 weeks ahead than we were last year - with a lot of fruit on the way for the season.
For up-to-date weather conditions in all of our growing regions, click on the region below. Wunderground.com is our go-to weather resource for fast and reliable weather updates.
Our California Giant Family Night with the Santa Cruz Warriors couldn’t have come at a better time – with all things ‘sports’ related so relevant right now, we had a blast cheering on our local basketball team with our Cal Giant family and staff. Not only do we sponsor the team with our fresh, delicious and energizing berries throughout the season as they train and practice, but they support us as well by wearing our creative, berry-inspired jerseys with our Cal Giant logo during ‘Family Night’. With that said, we auctioned off the jerseys to loyal fans in attendance and ultimately raised $2,400 for the California Giant Foundation – all of which goes toward making a difference in people’s lives through signature events such as our annual Tour de Fresh event, which raises funds for salad bars for schools and increases awareness of health and nutrition through out schools and communites. To learn more about the California Giant Foundation purpose and mission please click here.
Last Friday not only did the 2018 Winter Games commence, but the California Giant Berry Winter Games kicked off too, and we know our shoppers are excited for a chance to win 1 of 5 $REI gift cards to support their own sport. This week we’re giving a glimpse into each ‘berry team’ on our Buzz Blog – today folks can meet Team Strawberry. After viewers take a peek at each team, they have the option to vote for who they think should win the gold – while also gaining access to delicious pre and post work out snacks and tasty berry treats that are sure to energize - from our Blueberry Energy Bites, to our Berry Buddha Bowl! These fun and whimsical posts will be sure to encourage readers to enter the Berry Winter Games sweepstakes and inform readers of the healthy, invigorating benefits of California Giant berries.
Every one of these Trader Joes strawberries look huge and ready to eat!
